Norman Alan Birch (20)

Decades later, Betty (née Birch) Doig recalled the impact of Nottingham’s May 9th 1941 air raid, events ‘etched on my memory as a time of terror.’ The drone of planes punctuated the night air as Betty and her siblings prepared for bed. ‘A flash … lit the living room although the blackout curtains were in place. An incendiary bomb, extinguished and removed by ARP volunteers, set fire to the back door. ‘My dad (working nights at the GPO) came home (reluctant to go to the air raid shelter under the garage where the vans were parked. He didn’t like being near all the petrol. Whether my brother wouldn’t go into the shelter at the bakery of his own accord we will never know as the shelter took a direct hit… My father had to go to the Victoria Baths (temporary mortuary) on the Sunday morning. My brother was identified by his jacket and initialed cigarette case.’ Nottingham Evening Post, Letters 9/9/1998

Nottingham Evening Post, 12/5/1941, Page 2, Deaths: BIRCH – In May by enemy action. Norman Alan, dearly loved eldest son of Noah and Annie, and loving brother of Joyce, Nancy, Betty, Bob and Brice. BIRCH – In May by enemy action, Norman Alan, dear nephew of Sam and A.G.Poynton and affectionate cousin of Ada, Fred and Barbara. Nottingham Evening Post, 9/5/1942, Page 2, In Memoriam: BIRCH – Norman Alan. Killed by enemy action May 9th 1941. Fragrant memories not only today but every day for one of the best. – Sorrowing mam, dad, brothers and sisters. BIRCH – Norman. Killed by enemy action May 9th 1941. The parting was sudden, the blow severe, how sweet to remember a pal so dear. – Bob. BIRCH – Norman by enemy action. Supreme sacrifice. – Auntie Lil, Uncle George, cousins. BIRCH – Memories of Norman. May 8th and 9th 1941. – Bob (M.E.F), Mr and Mrs Hill and family.